We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Wade Miller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Wade below.

Wade, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?

I want to share a special shoutout to my best friend, Kimberly Graves. I met her in August 2003 during my freshman year at the University of Central Arkansas. She was the editor of our school’s yearbook, and I was a new staff member. I knew we would be good friends after our first few interactions. Her energy was familiar; she reminded me of my family and friends from East Texas. Throughout our friendship, she has don many kind things for me. She opened Cafe Kim when I couldn’t afford to eat. She gave me a ride to my hometown, which turned into a three-states-in-one-day adventure. She let me borrow her car whenever she was not using it. But all things considered, the kindest thing Kimberly—or anyone else—has done for me came during May 2009. During the last week of my 5-month internship with the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C., she used her vacation days to drive from Conway, Arkansas to see me. We spent the week sightseeing before road-tripping back to Arkansas.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was in the service industry until the pandemic hit in March 2020. With my medical history, I knew being in the industry at the time wasn’t a safe option for me. I spent weeks meditating, searching for what I could offer the world. I have always been fascinated by the storied healing and metaphysical properties of different crystals and gemstones. After much reflection, I decided to create small-batch, handmade jewelry using pearls and precious metals. I specialize in quality, pearl and sterling silver beaded jewelry, aiming to showcase the natural beauty of Mother Earth and the many gifts she bestows upon us. I take special care to source premium materials and products, as well as suppliers who take concrete steps to be more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and sustainable. What sets me apart is me. My life experiences all play a part in my story and my vision. As someone who is black and gay, I navigate the world through a unique lens, and I incorporate my experiences as a member of two marginalized groups into my work. For example, when most people think of pearls, they imagine the classic white, perfectly round pearls. My jewelry showcases pearls with unique shapes and hues, showing that natural beauty comes in many forms. The challenges I’ve faced have made me stronger; I appreciate that each stunning pearl was born as an irritant nagging an oyster.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Creation. I love the process of creating something tangible from the thoughts in your mind.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve had to make many changes in my life, but the most significant one happened in November 2010. Shortly after graduating from college, I moved to D.C. with only a dream. In March 2010, I landed an unpaid internship on Capitol Hill working for a congressman from Orlando. After about 7 months, I desperately needed money, so I started waiting tables at a restaurant in northeast Washington, D.C. I had been working there for several months when everything changed. On November 6, 2010, after my shift, I was robbed, held at gunpoint, and shot in the back as I ran away, screaming for help. That was a major turning point for me and completely altered the path I had planned for my life. After spending almost a month in the hospital, I moved back home to recover and figure out my next steps. I was lost on so many levels. My goal was to work in communications on the Hill, but how do you move forward after surviving a gunshot wound? After many changes in direction, I’m still here, and currently, I create beaded jewelry using freshwater pearls and sterling silver.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jwademiller.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wademillerjewelry/

Image Credits

Outlandish Creative